Next macOS allegedly only supports a few Intel Macs

According to a report, Apple's next Mac operating system will continue to run on Intel Macs, but for the first time no longer on all model series. For MacBook Air and Mac mini, a device with an M1 chip (from fall 2020) is reportedly the minimum requirement to install the system upgrade, which is usually released in September or October.

Apple shows next macOS version at WWDC

According to information from AppleInsider, a preliminary version of macOS 16 and macOS 26 only lists certain Intel Macs as compatible, namely the MacBook Pro from 2019, the 5K iMac 2020 and the Mac Pro 2019. MacBook Air 2019 and Spring 2020 and Mac mini 2018 are not listed. However, it remains to be seen whether this list is final. Apple will present the next macOS version on June 9 at the WWDC keynote and will then release a first developer beta. The specific system requirements are also likely to be announced then.

Accordingly, we can speculate that the subsequent macOS 17 / 27 will be the first version to run purely on ARM Macs. Apple would thus end x86 support six years after the start of the major switch to in-house processors. Apple generally classifies Macs as "vintage" five years after the end of sales, which is the preliminary stage to "obsolete" status, which takes effect after seven years. Once the latter is reached, the manufacturer no longer offers original spare parts and repair services. Apple already classifies hardware such as the Mac mini 2018 as "vintage", and most of the remaining Intel Macs are likely to follow soon.

Only the latest macOS plugs all security holes

Although Apple continues to deliver security patches for the two preceding macOS versions in parallel, these no longer close all known security vulnerabilities. Only the very latest version of the operating system does this. Apple has not yet made a concrete or binding promise regarding the period in which updates and patches will be made.

(lbe)